BBC IPlayer Launches On Xbox

Xbox owners will be able to use the Kinect's motion censors to control the iPlayer with their hands and voice.

BBC iPlayer is also available on Virgin Media, IPTV platforms like BT Vision, internet-connected smart TVs, set-top boxes including Freeview HD, Freesat HD, other games consoles and some Blu-Ray players, PCs, tablets and smart phones.

The addition of Xbox access helps the BBC meet its chartered obligation to reach as many viewers as possible. Xbox was the best-selling console in the UK and globally last year.

Daniel Danker, BBC general manager, programmes & on-demand, said: “Xbox is hugely successful in the UK. Given the BBC’s goal to reach its entire audience, I’m particularly excited that the BBC will be bringing iPlayer to all Xbox users at no extra cost as part of Xbox LIVE’s free membership.”

The BBC says embracing new platforms is crucial given that 433 million programmes were viewed on TV devices in 2011. If growth continues at the same rate, the BBC projects that more than half of iPlayer programmes will be viewed by a TV device by 2015.